Coast Guard Beach sits on Cape Cod's outer arm within the Cape Cod National Seashore—a powerful, exposed beach break that catches every swell moving through the region. The wave is consistent and often uncrowded, but the elephant in the water is the great white shark population that has returned to these waters in recent years. Seal colonies have brought the sharks back, and surfers must weigh the quality waves against the very real risk. For those comfortable with the situation, Coast Guard Beach offers some of New England's best surf in a dramatic, dune-backed setting.
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: National Seashore. Summer shuttle required.
Forecasts are validated against real-time buoy data.
Peak: Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Fall hurricanes and winter storms.
Verified by Surfline spot guide
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions